of part 4 of chapter 11

continuation from the 3rd part...

“Alright, my Lady. The High King is now in such critical condition, that now…” He was reluctant to say anything related to Master Shang, but he continued, “he’s under the responsibility of taking the High King’s power. His Order will ultimately take over the rule.”
“No,” Lady Yen disagreed with his opinions, and gave her reply, “the Order of the Knights never intended to rule the Kingdom. I don’t understand why you all suspected them so much. With the support of the Rangers and the High Elves, they would have the legitimate power by now.”
Just as they discussed of this matter, Master Hong and Master Khai walked past and saw them. The duo was curious on their actions, thus they cloaked themselves, entered the hut, and listened to their words.
Lord Jordan said, “Our group will arrive tomorrow, and then we have another meeting to discuss the matters on how to let the Archknight have nothing to say, and allow us to take charge.”
The two masters were shocked, and they opened their ears wider, in order to get the message conversed between them. Deep in their hearts, they thought: Master Shang is in grave danger, not because of Avernis, but from the Magi’s schemes. They wished to know more, but Lady Yen ended the conversation, with the pretext of getting some sleep.
They were so disappointed for not able to grasp the vital points. Long had they persuaded Master Shang not to trust her, and now their fears were proven. In addition, Master Kang cannot know of this at all, as he would tell Master Shang, and invoke his anger.
However, they at least know that it will continue the next day, when the Magi arrives…

As expected, Master Ran and the others arrived at noon. While they were welcomed by Master Kang, both masters approached Master Ran as soon as he left them to Master Kang.
“We’ve to spy on them from now onwards.” said Master Hong.
“Why?”
“Our friend is in grave danger, as we suspected that the Magi are scheming something. Probably they’re the actual culprits who poisoned the High King in the first place,” answered Master Khai.
Master Ran was confused, as he wondered on how that was possible, the two masters told him about the rendezvous of Lord Jordan and Lady Yen and their conversation. At last Master Ran realized the threat of it, and he decided to keep a watch on her, with them assisting. They instantly agreed.
That night they clad themselves in a cloak and hooded themselves, and hid near the Teroston Gardens, patiently. For almost an hour they waited, but there was no sign of her. As time went past, they were getting more and more frustrated, and were preparing to leave when their target showed up, together with Lord Cheng, Lord Jason, Lady Xuan and Lord Jordan. Master Ran then asked to camouflage themselves among the flowers, just to avoid any suspicions.
“It’s of our advantage that the Archknight trusted on you so much, to the extent of giving you information very important to them,” said Lady Xuan with a smile on her face, “but I’m confused on why must we strike against him? That doesn’t make any sense.”
Lord Cheng felt the same as well, as to combat Avernis they had to unify their strength with all they can muster, and they cannot afford to lose any allies. However, Lord Jason said, “If this is the case, then through Lady Yen we can get his secrets and use it against him.”
All of them were surprised, and they gave a loud “what?!” response. Though they intended to ‘dominate’ the council over the Knights right in their own city, they never thought of discrediting anyone. They then chided him, but the masters now concluded that they were up to something.
The conversation lasted for another half an hour, and when at last they left they ensured that all of them were gone. Then they trailed her, and within five seconds two swords and a staff were pointing at her from three directions, much to her shock and surprise.
“Enjoying your discussions of scheming against the Archknight, aren’t you?”

5th part will be posted on the 11th april 2009...